Definition: And he asked his father, How long is it ago since this came unto him? And he said, Of a child.

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Mark 9:21. It’s a really important and slightly unsettling verse in the Bible. Here's what it means in simple terms: The Basic Story: Jesus is talking to his father, Joseph (who was selling Jesus into slavery), and he asks him, “How long ago has this happened?” He’s trying to understand why Jesus is being treated unfairly. What it Means Literally: “Of a child” is a very strange phrase in the context of that time. It doesn't mean Jesus was born a few years ago. Instead, it means "It started a long time ago." The Significance & Interpretation: This verse is often interpreted as a powerful metaphor for the length of time Jesus has been imprisoned and suffering. Here’s why it’s important: Jesus' Suffering: The phrase suggests that Jesus’ suffering – his trial, imprisonment, and ultimately crucifixion – began a long time ago. A Continuing Struggle: It implies that even though Jesus is innocent, he continues to be subjected to hardship and pain because of something that happened before. It's Not About Time in the Literal Sense: It’s crucial to understand this isn’t about a specific date or event. The phrase "of a child" signifies a long period – an age where something significant happened, and it continues to affect him. In short, “Of a child” means that Jesus' suffering has been ongoing for a very long time. --- Do you want me to: Explain another Bible verse? Discuss the meaning of this particular verse in more detail? Connect it to a broader theme in the Bible (like forgiveness, suffering, or God’s plan)?